Longwood University

The Longwood University Board of Visitors convened on campus in the Stallard Board Room in Lancaster Hall on March 28-29, and took the following actions:

• approved the audit plan for fiscal year 2009.

• approved accreditation materials for the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts in preparation for accreditation by the American Association of Museums and other relevant accrediting agencies. The materials are a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the Longwood Foundation for the operation of the LCVA, as well as revised bylaws, a Code of Ethics and Declaration of Standards, and a Collections Policies and Procedures Manual for the LCVA.

• approved a Bachelor of Science major in Athletic Training. The Athletic Training program, which is accredited by the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, has been a concentration area in Physical Education/Kinesiology since 1997.

• approved changes to the Student Handbook to include revisions and/or edits to sections on the American with Disabilities Act (Grievance Procedures), confidentiality, alcohol policy,
  event planning for campus events involving alcohol, disruptive behavior policy, and residential and commuter life.  Student Handbook policies and procedures are reviewed regularly “in order to maintain consistency and to ensure that policies are meeting the needs of the students and Longwood.”

• delayed action on setting tuition and fees for the 2008-09 academic year until the Executive Committee Meeting of the Board of Visitors on May 10,  pending further action of the Governor and General Assembly on April 23 when the General Assembly reconvenes to review, approve or veto the Governor's proposed budget amendments.

• approved new and revised Finance and Administrative policies regarding Policy 5101 (Use of University Facilities); Policy 5102 (Use of Lancaster and Ruffner first floor public space); Policy 5103 (Use of Lankford Student Union public space) and Policy 5401 (Longwood property and liability insurance programs).  Administrative polices and procedures are reviewed and updated as needed to maintain consistency and to ensure that the policies are meeting the needs of the university community.

• approved bond financing to fund the renovation of Cox Residence Hall with state debt by selling an additional $6.5 million in state bonds.   The use of state bond funding will allow the university to use cash reserves for renovations to other residence halls.

• approved an allocation up to $4 million from the university’s Housing Reserve Fund
  for renovations to Curry Hall and Frazer Hall.  Both halls, built in 1969 and 1970 respectively, are in need of infrastructure renewal to “to continue the viability of the buildings and create a pleasant living atmosphere for students.” The project, which will begin this summer, will include painting, replacing drop-ceiling tiles and doors, and work on ventilation systems, some floors and other small projects.

• approved allocating up to $4 million from the university’s General Auxiliary Reserve Fund to construct recreational playing fields at Lancer Park. Student recreation requires a new home due to the move to Division I in intercollegiate athletics, which has resulted in the renovation and construction of playing fields reserved solely for intercollegiate athletics. The playing fields at Lancer Park are expected to be completed by this fall.

• postponed the implementation of making the campus “tobacco free” on 1 July 2008 for at least one year pending evaluation of an educational campaign to inform the campus community about the negative environmental impact of cigarette litter and the need to smoke responsibly and to use receptacles and designated smoking areas on campus.  Although the Board supports the idea of an educational campaign and further consultation with the campus community, board members still support the original proposal of moving toward a tobacco-free environment on campus at some time in the future.